Martin Daniel Coogan

Martin “Dan” Coogan, 93, passed away Wednesday, September 12, in Indianapolis. Dan was born in Peoria, IL to Martin and Mary (Graves) Coogan. After graduating from East Peoria high school in 1943, Dan proudly served in England during World War II as a corporal in the 8th Air Force, specializing in airplane radar and radio technology. After the war, he returned home to Peoria to attend college at Bradley University, where he played on the Bradley basketball team. It was at Bradley that he met his future bride, Gretchen Hoerdemann. Dan married Gretchen on June 19, 1948 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Peoria. In the years to come, they welcomed seven children. After moving to Indianapolis, they were members of St. Joan of Arc parish for many years. Dan was a member of the American Legion for fifty-five years, and served a term as a Commander of Post 34. Over the years he worked with Union Carbide as a research engineer, with R.V. Welch and Associates as the Vice President of Sales, at John Marshall High School as a math and science teacher, and finally with J. Everett Light Career Center as a real estate instructor. Dan was a fun loving father and grandfather who could spend hours telling stories and jokes. Dan’s proudest role was as husband to his beloved wife, Gretchen. This past summer they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Dan’s memory will always be treasured by his loving family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark (Debbie Centers); and his brother Bill (Marj).Survivors include his wife Gretchen; sister Pat (Frank) Delaney; sons John (Bonnie), Jim (Susie) Paul, and Phil (Betsy); daughters, Carol (Bill) Stephan and Maggie (Chris) Moshy; daughter-in-law Debbie Centers; grandsons Chris Schoenwald, Tyler (Diana) Coogan, Paul Stephan, Shane Coogan, Eric Coogan, CJ and Nick Moshy; granddaughters Buffie (Don) Eldridge, Shannon (Matt) Hautman, Laura (Scott) Ryan, and Erin Coogan; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Visitation and a Mass celebrating Dan’s life will be held at St. Augustine Home for the Aged, 2345 W 86th St., Indianapolis, on Monday, September 17. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Augustine’s Home for the Aged.